Tensions Mount as Trump Deploys Nuclear Submarines in Warning to Russia: ‘There Can Be No Winner in a Nuclear War’

President Donald Trump’s decision to reposition two U.S. nuclear submarines near Russia’s borders has sparked the Kremlin’s first official response, warning against nuclear escalation and emphasizing its commitment to nonproliferation.

The high-stakes move came after former Russian President Dmitri Medvedev issued a scathing statement warning that Trump’s demands for Russian de-escalation were “a step towards war.” In response, Trump moved the submarines into position on Friday, signaling a serious posture shift in U.S.-Russia relations.

In a statement on Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that “there can be no winner in a nuclear war” and emphasized that Moscow is not seeking confrontation. “Russia is very cautious about nuclear nonproliferation matters, and we believe everyone should be very careful about nuclear rhetoric,” Peskov said, according to The Washington Post.

While Medvedev is known for his inflammatory remarks, Peskov sought to distance his comments from President Vladimir Putin, clarifying that “foreign policy is formulated by the head of state, President Putin.” He declined to say whether the Kremlin would ask Medvedev to tone down his rhetoric.

In a Truth Social post, Trump slammed Medvedev’s “foolish and inflammatory statements,” warning that “words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences.” He added: “I hope this will not be one of those instances.”

Meanwhile, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Putin later this week—his fifth such meeting—amid Trump’s push for a negotiated peace deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. Trump has imposed a deadline of August 9 for Russia to accept peace terms or face secondary tariffs from a future Trump administration.

“This is a war that should have never happened,” Trump wrote online. “This is Biden’s war, not ‘TRUMP’s.’ I’m just here to see if I can stop it!”

Despite escalating rhetoric, the Kremlin insisted it does not plan to escalate militarily. The developments come as civilian casualties continue on both sides of the conflict, and diplomatic efforts remain tense.